Dartmouth, N.S. - Fisheries and Oceans Canada wishes to remind people who encounter seals along the shores of the region to exercise caution.
At this time every year, pregnant harp seals pull themselves out of the waters of Atlantic Canada to give birth to pups. The pups are born on ice floes in the Northumberland Strait and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As the ice drifts out of the Gulf, the seals travel on it and can end up in the Laurentian Channel and off Eastern Cape Breton.
After about three weeks, the females abandon their pups, which weigh between 50 and 60 kilograms. The young seals typically remain on the ice for another two to three weeks during which time they molt, shedding their white coat for a mottled grey one. Once moulted and having depleted their reserves of fat, the harp seals enter the water and start to head north, back to the Arctic.
As ice conditions are expected to be poor this year, juvenile harp seals are expected to be found onshore along the Gulf shore of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as well as on Prince Edward Island. Although these seals look "cute and cuddly," it should be remembered that they are wild animals and should be left alone. These seals, if cornered or if they believe that they are being threatened, may respond by attacking. Their bites can be serious, requiring medical attention such as antibiotics and stitches.
The poor ice conditions may lead to numbers of these young seals perishing after they end up in the water prematurely, or are crushed by ice. As a result, people in coastal areas may encounter dead seal pups along the shore throughout the Atlantic region. Please use caution around any seal carcasses you may encounter, as any decaying animal can pose health risks to both people and pets.
It is against the law for an unlicensed person to interfere with marine mammals in Canada. Anyone encountering a seal on the beach or other such location should leave the animal alone and keep children and pets away. If for some reason the seal poses a risk to public health and safety, such as being on a highway, please contact your local municipal authorities, or call the Government of Canada Environment Emergency Hotline at 1-800-565-1633.
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For more information:
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Maritimes Region
902-426-3550
CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
NR-MAR-11-03E
